RESIDENTS’ concerns about changes to bus services in East Cleveland have been taken to Government.

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has handed over a petition to Transport Minister Paul Clark as part of his campaign against cuts in bus services.

Mr Kumar said the bus services cuts had left many local people bereft of any proper bus links.

The petition, signed by over 600 local people, was organised by Loftus Town Council.

Recent changes have resulted in no Arriva services from Liverton Mines to Loftus Marketplace, reduction of services from four to two an hour, and the removal of the X3 link with Skelton, Redcar and central Middlesbrough.

Mr Kumar said: “These changes have appalled many local bus users and the expected complaints have begun to roll into my office.

“These do not just affect travellers. Local shopkeepers have said they feel their trade will suffer, and, as with any reduction in public transport provision, it is my elderly and poorer constituents who are hit hardest.”

Mr Kumar said he would continue to take up the cudgels to get improved bus services in the area.

Receiving the petition Mr Clark said: “It’s vitally important people can rely on good local bus services and I will be giving serious consideration to Ashok’s suggestions.

“Just this past week Ashok has written to my office, presented me with his petition, and met me at the Department for Transport, so I’m impressed with his determination.”

Arriva has said the changes from May 31 were made after all services on Teesside were examined and a lot of information about customers and travel was examined. The changes were aimed at making the best possible use of available resources.